Identifier | Created | Classification | Origin |
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08LJUBLJANA323 | 2008-07-18 15:35:00 | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | Embassy Ljubljana |
VZCZCXRO1117 PP RUEHAG RUEHAST RUEHDA RUEHDF RUEHFL RUEHIK RUEHKW RUEHLA RUEHLN RUEHLZ RUEHPOD RUEHROV RUEHSR RUEHVK RUEHYG DE RUEHLJ #0323/01 2001535 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P 181535Z JUL 08 FM AMEMBASSY LJUBLJANA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 6794 INFO RUEHZL/EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC RUEKDIA/DIA WASHDC RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHDC//J5 |
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 LJUBLJANA 000323 |
1. (SBU) On July 17, Emboffs met with Aljaz Arih, Head of the CFSP Unit at the MFA, to deliver reftel points in advance of the July 22 - 23 for the General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) meeting. IRAN -------------------------- 2. (SBU) Per reftel, Emboff urged the Government of Slovenia (GOS), as an EU member state, to act on UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1803. Arih responded by stating that although draft text is currently in the working group, it is unlikely that a text will be adopted for the EU Common Position at the July 22-23 GAERC meeting. He did note, however, that Solana will brief the foreign ministers on the July 19 P5+1 meeting in Geneva. Arih expects the text for the EU Common Position to go beyond mere adoption of UNSCR 1803 by calling for additional measures against Iranian banks and by encouraging inspections of cargo transported by Iranian companies beyond those cited in 1803. He cautioned, however, that the final text will depend on the results of the July 19 P5+1 meeting. Arih noted that the GOS is pleased that Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs William Burns will be attending the meeting in Geneva. SOMALIA -------------------------- 3. (SBU) Arih stated that the GOS supports U.S. positions on Somalia and advocates an inclusive approach to addressing the humanitarian crisis. Regarding the adoption of UNSCR 1816, Arih noted that the EU is currently working on how it can contribute to a joint interdiction operation with the multi-national Combined Task Force (CTF). Arih said that possible EU contributions could be an ESDP operation or individual contributions by EU member states to the CTF. CHAD/SUDAN/DARFUR -------------------------- 4. (SBU) Arih stated that the main purpose of the Chad agenda item will be to discuss the Chad ESDP mission. He noted that the mission is approximately halfway through its one-year term and the GAERC will discuss the coming transition to a UN force. Noting that the situations in Sudan and Chad are closely linked, Arih stressed the importance of a political dialogue between Sudan and Chad as well as political agreement between the government of Chad and opposition groups. ZIMBABWE -------------------------- 5. (SBU) Arih agreed that stronger measures were needed in Zimbabwe and relayed that an agreement was reached between EU member states on a sanctions package to be adopted at the July 22-23 GAERC meeting which will strengthen travel bans and asset freezes. Arih noted that the GOS is disappointed the UNSC was unable to act on a clear violation of human rights and democracy in Zimbabwe. He stated that the main elements of the anticipated GAERC conclusions on Zimbabwe are non-recognition of the election results as legitimate, further measures against the Mugabe regime, support for South African Development Community (SADC) efforts, and emphasis upon the necessity of negotiations. UKRAINE -------------------------- 6. (SBU) Arih said that although the GOS favors the promotion of a European perspective in Ukraine, not all EU member states agree. Arih mentioned that the GOS supports the establishment of an association LJUBLJANA 00000323 002 OF 002 agreement with Ukraine, but again noted the lack of consensus amongst EU member states on the way forward with Kyiv. Arih also stated that the GOS supports establishing a visa dialogue with Ukraine. THE BALKANS -------------------------- 7. (SBU) Although not raised by Emboff, Arih imparted some additional comments with respect to the Western Balkans. Arih said that Slovene Foreign Minister Dmitri Rupel will address the GAERC meeting to speak about the political situation in Serbia following the formation of a new government. Rupel will provide an analysis linking the new government with the situation in Kosovo, and discuss possible next steps for the EU. Arih noted that the GOS is concerned about the international community?s presence on the ground in Kosovo and the postponed transition from UNMIK to the EULEX mission. He stated that the GOS hopes the UN Secretary General will provide greater clarity on the situation in the coming days. Transatlantic Relations -------------------------- 8. (SBU) Arih stated that Portuguese Foreign Minister Luis Amado recently sent a proposal to all EU Foreign Ministers to have a discussion at the July 22-23 meeting on strategies to improve transatlantic relations. However, Arih did not expect there will be much discussion about the proposal at the July GAERC, but that it will most likely receive more attention at the next Gymnich in September. Georgia -------------------------- 9. (SBU) Arih stated that German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier will report to the GAERC on his recent visits to Tbilisi, Moscow and Sukhumi. Arih expected discussion over a German package proposal that aims to ease political tensions over Abkhazia. COLEMAN |